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How to Sculpt a Human Head in Glass

Some of the world's greatest works of art are sculptures -- three-dimensional forms or figures created from marble, granite, wood, clay or other material. Unlike wood or stone, which can be carved with a chisel and mallet, glass must be shaped in its liquid or molten state by blowing, casting or manipulating with tools. Sand casting is one method to sculpt a human head sculpture, but glass-making requires specialized training and equipment and can cause serious injury if not done correctly. Work needs to be completed in a glass foundry under the supervision of a skilled glass maker.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass furnace
  • Molten glass
  • Protective gear, including goggles, heat-resistant apron and gloves
  • Pouring ladle
  • Head form
  • Olivine (casting) sand mixed with 7 to 10 percent betinite clay
  • Water
  • Sand casting box
  • Sifting screens
  • Spray bottle filled with sugar/water mixture
  • Acetylene torch
  • Glass shears
  • Annealing oven
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Instructions

  1. Plan the Project

    • 1

      Find a glass-casting foundry that will share its studio and supervise your project.

    • 2

      Review costs for materials, studio time and labor, as well as rules and requirements regarding safety, liability and use of equipment.

    • 3

      Go over your project plans, including size and appearance of finished piece and due date.

    Make a Cast

    • 4

      Dampen the sand slightly with water and sift through screens until light and fluffy.

    • 5

      Fill casting box with sifted sand.

    • 6

      Make an impression in the sand with the head form to create a mold for the glass.

    • 7

      Spray the impression with sugar water and blacken with the torch to create a non-stick surface.

    Pour the Glass

    • 8

      Put on protective gear.

    • 9

      Remove molten glass from furnace with a foundry ladle.

    • 10

      Pour glass into the impression and snip with shears.

    Cool the Glass

    • 11

      Poke vent holes in the sand around and under the casting to help it cool evenly.

    • 12

      Heat the glass with the torch to prevent it from cooling too quickly.

    • 13

      Move the glass to the annealing oven when it reaches 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit and cool to room temperature.

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